Hi Blog. Just to let everyone know, I’m going over to Canada (Calgary and Edmonton) from tomorrow for a spell for most of February. I’ll still be online probably every day, of course, but the blog may be updated and comments approved less frequently. FYI. Thanks everyone for reading Debito.org. Arudou Debito in Sapporo

I grew up in Winnipeg. If there is anywhere I would rather NOT be in February other than Winnipeg, it would be Edmonton! After walking to school in -20c or -30c or sometimes -40c for 12 years, I simply cannot imagine wanting to go to Edmonton and Calgary in February for vacation. Then again, people think I’m crazy because I love the heat and humidity of Tokyo in August (and one of the reasons is it reminds me of August in Winnipeg when I was growing up; hot, humid and on vacation (and Tokyo doesn’t have 40 billion mosquitoes either)).

Uh, have fun?

– I could have fun anywhere with the right friends and the right activities. It’s currently -19 in Sapporo, anyway. This is a part of Canada I’ve never seen. Let’s have a look.

Bon Voyage! Keep an eye on this site: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html Today it’s -9C in Edmonton & -11C in Calgary. As a former resident of Winnipeg and Saskatoon, my advice is don’t forget to add the wind-chill factor to those numbers. As they say, “It’s a dry cold!” Great steaks and micro-brews in that part of the world, I tell you.

If you’re not transiting through the Yew-Ess, you might well get to keep your fingerprints to yourself! (Or whatever else they feel like ogling these days under the pretense of security!) Bonus!

I’m from Calgary, glad to hear yer paying me hometown a visit. Keep an eye open all through customs in both Van and Calgary and you’ll witness the effects of liberal immigration all around you. For good or for bad I can’t say, but the Japanese could draw some conclusions from it. Have a good trip !

– I say for good. YVR is one of my favorite airports. It’s excellently designed, too.

I just realized that you missed the Snow Festival in Sapporo. Oh well, the snow sculptures are nice (like a Yuki Miku, Mr. Lives in Same City as Crypton Future Media) but spending time with family or friends are more important. I hope you enjoy your time in Canada.

– I am. I had a wonderful sirloin last night. And I’m looking over the mountains of Banff as I type this.